Who is in your inner circle? Jesus had 12 friends along with Him for the journey, but only three were in His inner circle (Peter, James and John). There were things that these three men were privy to that none of the other nine were.Are your friends:1. Spiritually responsible?2. Trustworthy?3. Honest?4. Real vs. Fake?5. Supportive?6. Able to rejoice or cry with you?7. Loyal?

If they are spiritually responsible, they will possess the rest of the six things on the list. These things speak to one's character.

Remember, you really are known by the company you keep!

From the time that I was 7 years old, my grandmother was always teaching me about 'Character' and I quote her, "Pat, just like those girls sat on your stoop and gossiped about her, they will move down the block to another stoop and gossip about you." She was right!!!! I didn't understand it then, but as I became an adult, I understood. What you hear others negatively say about another, they will undoubtedly speak in the same way about you, given time and opportunity. How you see others treat another, they will do the same to you in time and with opportunity.

One way to determine friendships that God has placed in your circle is when you're facing a tremendous trial or crisis. Look around you and see who has the words of the Lord for you. Also, if and when you are in dire straits, and need a word from the Lord, who do you go to? You are only going to go to the friend that you know is in good company with the Lord.